Strade Bianche 2021: From the Gravel
What a gorgeous day of Gravel Cycling! This year’s edition of the Southern most Spring Classic is a wrap and did not disappoint. Sunny but brisk, crystal clear skies greeted the racers and spectators alike. Much more pleasant than the 100˚F+ heat of last August when the 2020 race was held.
The plan for the day was to ride over and catch the women's race on the final gravel section, Le Tolfe; then cut through Siena and down into the Crete Senese for the mens race along the photogenic San Martino in Grania section. After that, it was back to Siena for the finally of the mens race on the 2nd to last gravel section of Colle Pinzuto.
Being a local and riding these roads everyday proves invaluable when navigating around events and trying to time the race action in various locations. This year the gravel was in near perfect conditions for racing. Most sections had the normal winter maintenance and recent rains provided welcome traction with reduced dust.
The woman's race proved dramatic with Chantal Van Den Broek-Blaak surprising race favorite Elisa Longo Borghini on the savage 15% finish into Siena's Piazza Del Campo. Chantals SD Worx teammate Ann van der Breggen rounded out the podium.
In the much anticipated mens race, the final selection across the Monte Sante Marie gravel sector including most of the favorites with a few surprises. Along with Van der Poel, Alaphilippe, and Van Aert, grand tour specialists Tadej Pogacar and Egan Bernal was proving to be men suited for the gravel. Fellow cyclocrosser Tom Pidcock also showing great form. Also featuring in the mix was Michael Gogl and American youngster Quinn Simmons. Several pre-race favorites were having off days. Greg Van Avermaet and Alejandro Valverde missed the crucial selection. Van Aert found himself being distanced by surges on the final gravel ramps but fought back gallantly each time. Van Der Poel, Alaphilippe, and Bernal slipped away on the final gravel climb of Le Tolfe and arrived at the Santa Catarina climb together. One acceleration by Van Der Poel on the 15% ramp was all it took for the winner to come in a few seconds ahead of Alaphilippe, with Bernal rounding out the podium. Van Aert proved to be the best of the rest by leading in the chasing group about 1 minute back.
All in all, it was a great day of racing on the our local strade bianche, white gravel roads. Seeing the women and men pros pedal on the gravel together in one event is amazing. This event is one of our favorites and we can’t wait to host spectators to Strade Bianche 2022. This Spring Classic Race is an absolute bucket list cycling event. We can make it easy to attend, catch the best of the event and ride the course. As cycling travel agents, we can get you - and your gravel bike - here for a cycling vacation of a lifetime. Reach out if you want to be on the invite list for this exclusive gravel cycling week in Tuscany. Contact us today to make it your own custom, hassle-free tour for you and your cycling (and non-cycling!) friends.
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Who is BICI ITALIA? A cyclist and concierge travel agent living in Italy ready to plan your custom, private, hassle-free cycling adventures. Specializing in gravel bike cycling tours on Tuscany’s famous strade bianche or white gravel roads. Learn more or contact us today!
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